The debate over Leo Cullen's pre-final selections in rugby continues to rage, with the latest chapter focusing on the impact of his decisions on the team's performance. The article highlights the delicate balance between resting players to avoid injury and risking them to maintain match fitness. This issue has become increasingly prominent with Leinster's recent Champions Cup final losses in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as last season's semi-final defeat to Northampton.
Cullen's approach to selection has evolved over the years. In the past, resting frontliners before the final was considered sensible, as evidenced by the 2017-18 season when Leinster won their fourth star by beating Racing 15-12 in the final in Bilbao. However, the article notes that this strategy has been questioned after the recent final losses and the semi-final defeat to Northampton.
The article delves into specific examples of Cullen's selection choices, such as the 2021-22 season when Leinster's Champions Cup final loss to La Rochelle was just a fortnight after their semi-final win over Toulouse. Cullen faced criticism for starting only two of Leinster's Champions Cup final starting XV a week before the semi-final loss to Munster, and the team lost to La Rochelle again.
In contrast, the article mentions a more nuanced selection strategy this season, where the starting line-up from the semi-final win over Toulon has had some game time since, with the team pushing for a top-two seeding. The return of key players like Tadhg Furlong, James Lowe, and Jordan Larmour has strengthened Cullen's hand, and the selections at tighthead, inside center, and on the bench are up for discussion.
Ultimately, the article concludes that the verdict on Leinster's changed selection policy will be determined by one thing above all others: the result. The pressure is on Cullen to make the right calls to ensure the team's success in the upcoming Champions Cup final.
